A Performance Analyser and Prediction Tool for Parallel Discrete Event Simulation

Developing parallel discrete event simulation programs is a difficult and time consuming process often ending with disappointment as the achieved performance is often lower than expected. Developers need performance prediction tools that are capable of providing information on the future performance of the parallel program prior to implementation. This paper describes a performance analyser tool developed to predict the performance of parallel discrete event simulation programs. Its unique feature is that it does not require the existence of the parallel program; it gathers the necessary program information from a trace file generated by a sequential simulation run. This enables one to determine, using a sequential simulation program, whether or not a parallel implementation is suitable, and if so, which approach is the best for the given simulation problem. The parallel version then only has to be developed if proved to be successful. The paper describes the analyser program, its architecture, functionality and use.